I have wanted to go to Africa for as long as I can remember. After student teaching here in Colorado, I planned to join the Peace Corps to travel to Africa to teach young children. I did not end up going into the Peace Corps, but decided to persue a Master's Degree in Special Education. I have taught at Big Thompson Elementary in Loveland, CO for three years. I spent the first two years in the resource room as a special education teacher. Last year was my first year in the classroom, and I taught a third and fourth grade multiage class. In August I will begin a new school year with a third grade class. I am very excited!

The thought of traveling to Africa has not left my mind through the years, and now the dream is beginning to make its way into reality. My dad is friends with a man named Jeff Johnson, who has traveled to Africa a few times. I always heard about Jeff's travels through my dad. I heard about the orphanage he went to work at in Kenya, and I always thought, "one day I'll meet that man." Well, my dad kept saying, "when you're ready for Jeff's email address, I'll send it to you" and last month, I felt ready.

I did a little bit of internet research on Tumaini and read through the volunteer manual on their website. I realized that going to Kenya to help at the Tumaini children's home was a definite possibility. Unlike many of the other volunteer opportunities I had looked into, Tumaini does not require an up-front donation. All I'll need to pay for are immunizations, travel insurance, a visa and passport, plane tickets, and housing. I am hoping to raise $3000 to cover these expenses.

Any additional money I raise will go directly to Tumaini ministries. They will use the funds to support the 50 orphans currently living in the children's home. The children need food, clothing, school supplies, medication, and space for living. Also, in Kenya, school is free until 8th grade, but after that, a person needs to pay for their education. Tumaini ministries is dedicated to sending these children to school all the way through college if that's what the child wants.

When I go to Kenya next summer, I look forward to spending 3-4 weeks living and working with the people of the Rukubi village. I look forward to meeting Eunice, whom I have heard so much about. I will help look after and love the children. I hope to visit their schools and learn about the local culture.

Tumaini Ministries was recently able to purchase 50 acres of land and next summer, construction will be taking place on the land. I may be able to help build a new children's home. Tumaini is almost fully self-sustained with the gardens on their land. I will be able to help in the gardens to harvest food to eat. I'm most excited to spend time with the children.

I hope you can find it in your heart to help me on this mission. I ask for your prayers as I embark upon this adventure!

Abbey